The sissy duckling

Summary:

Elmer is not a run-of-the-mill duck. He likes to decorate cookies, enjoys building sand castles instead of forts, and would rather visits puppet shows than play sports. Being different is fine for sweet Elmer – he’s as happy as a duck in water doing everything he loves.

Comment:

This story is an excellent tale about accepting oneself and others for what they are, which is perhaps an especially relevant topic to discuss with children due to the recent increase in bullying. Elmer is not like the other boy ducks. He likes to bake, paint, cook, and be creative. He does not like sports, and one day skips away from a baseball game. The other ducks call him a sissy, which infuriates his father who says some hateful things that cause Elmer to run away. The illustrations help to lighten the mood of the sometimes extremely serious subject matter. This book story will allow parents and children to discuss bullying, and why it is so hurtful.